Better Late Than Never...

I’m pretty late to The Secret Circle party. Not like super late, but late enough. I’ve been anxiously waiting to watch The Secret Circle all summer long and of course my luck when it premiered I was without internet and cable so I wasn’t able to share in the enjoyment. I was so mad I was almost in tears. (Not really but I was disappointed that I didn’t get to watch it.) Anyways I wanted to share my thoughts and comments I had while watching the First, Second and Third Episodes. (I guess it’s lucky that I didn’t have cable because I got to watch all 3 Episodes back to back.) Here we go…

Pilot Episode: Pilot.

• Did the producers steal The Vampire Diaries stylist or something because I feel like everyone is wearing something that you would see on TVD? Also Elijah hair much?
• Can I just mention how much I am loving Faye? She is so badass.
• The scene in the forest is cute. I loved the scenery in the background. Reminds me of my home town with all the brown and green.
• Diana’s dad (I forgot his name, I’m just going to call him Elijah’s doppelganger because he looks so much like him) creeps me out.
• Right away I could see the whole Adam and Cassie intensity. I can only imagine how much more it’s going to grow.
• The glow in the dark stars on the ceiling reminds me of my childhood when I had glow in the dark planets and stars plastered all over my ceilings and walls.
• I feel like there are characters missing…but then again I think that’s just because I’m a fan of the book series so it’s sometimes hard to accept the changes in the story.
• I can’t help but wonder if Cassie got water in her boots during that rainstorm…it’s a totally legit question right? I think it is.
• Whoever designed that book of shadows or whatever the hell it’s called is talented. I totally want one for myself.
• Also the song that plays right before the title credit is whimsical…I think that’s the word I’m looking for…all I know is that it fits perfectly for a TV show about witches.

Second Episode: Bound.

• Sally totally resembles a younger Bonnie.
• Diana’s dad looks too much like Elijah, from the hair to the suit. Really he could be his twin.
• I love how out of control the circle’s powers are, especially when they get mad.
• I have a feeling that the house is going to be significant in some way...
• The crack at Harry Potter was funny.
• I want to know why the Grandparents stripped their children’s powers. Was it because of the accident that killed half the circle or was their another reason?
• It seems that whenever Adam and Cassie are together, Sparks Fly (literally.)
• Melissa (I’m pretty sure that’s her name) totally has the hot’s for Nick and I totally understand why. He’s not too shabby looking when he’s shirtless.
• Apparently a crystal gives a witch who is stripped of their powers, power. That’s new and interesting.
• Adam and Cassie just can’t stay away from each other can they? Sqeee!
• Faye totally had an outfit change.
• I love how rebellious Faye is. It’s quite loveable.
• So now you can also heal someone from the dead with the crystal, even though you have no real powers? (I had a raised eyebrow at that.)
• Faye’s little bit of quilt is somewhat heart wrenching. Makes her human I suppose.
• Diana made my heart weep a little with that insecure line and the way Adam looked at her. It was such an “aw” moment.
• According to Henry, (Faye’s grandfather) when the circle is bound something bad can be unleashed…I’m anxious to see what Evil is going to come into play.

Third Episode: Loner.

• I think Sally might have a slight idea that Faye might be a witch.
• What’s this make it or break it kid doing on TSC….oh his name is Luke….whatever he’s not really important just some eye candy.
• Sally is such a damn Bonnie it’s scary.
• I should probably stop noticing similarities between TVD and TSC.
• Who the fuck is this creepy Zachary guy and how the hell does he know?
• I honestly think Melissa takes too much crap from Faye. She needs to stand up to her.
• The whole parents knowing what’s going on and pretending not to know is quite comical since the kids think the parents don’t know.
• Faye’s mom (I still haven’t got the parents’ names down yet) has like the best line of the episode “We can’t kill everybody who gets in the way.” Golden.
• When the circle is apart they have no power, together they are a force to be wrecking with. (That is the correct phrase right?)
• Diana needs to lose the hoop earrings; they make her look like a hooker.
• I’m predicting that by episode five, Cassie and Adam are going to kiss, either that or the writers on going to pull the whole “will they or won’t they question” until the end of the season and then in the season finale we’ll see them kiss. That’s so going to happen. Just wait.
• To break the circle completely apart one of them has to get killed?
• What exactly happened to Amelia?
• And where is Grandma when all this is going down? Elijah’s doppelganger didn’t kill her too did he?
• All the awards go to Faye for not holding anything back when she’s “yelling” at Nick. Way to be a Bitch with a point.
• It’s interesting how the kids lie to the adults and then the adults know they are lying, and lie to cover up the fact that they know.
• Melissa and Nick make a nice couple…I for some reason want to call Nick, Nathan…I’m not sure why…maybe he just looks like one.

After watching all 3 back to back, I can’t help the fact that I compare certain characters with the characters on their sister show TVD. I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be an issue if Diana’s dad didn’t have Elijah’s damn hair or that Sally looks like a younger version of Kat Graham. I can’t wait to see if there’s some big evil thing that’s going to happen. I’m hoping it’s something dangerous and drastic and causes trouble and shit. I’m so used to watching Charmed that I keep thinking that there’s going to be a demon or something that the circle has to vanquish, but obviously that’s not the case. I don’t think anything like that is going to happen in this show, but it would be fantastic if it did. Either way I’m still going to watch this show even if it doesn’t turn into Charmed. I love my witchy stories.

Until next time…

P.S Anyone know what the shipping name is for Adam and Cassie yet?

Vampire Diaries 3.03 "End of the Affair" reactions

I want to do a pretty in depth write up about this episode because of everything that happened, but that means I will have to watch it at least 3 more times.

Until then, I want to give you guys my first impressions about the episode.

First, this single episode was better than the ENTIRE SECOND SEASON. This is the amazing flashback episode that we needed last year. THIS is the episode that I have been waiting for since "Blood Brothers" in Season 1.

It was intense, emotional, funny, and shocking. Everything that this show was in the first season and lost in the second. I was worried about this episode. I truly was. I expected it to be a huge downfall, like "Memory Lane" was last season. I was afraid that it would be boring and lose the excitement that the stories in the first two episodes gave me. Nope, it only made me more excited for the story of this season.

Since last season, we all assumed that Stefan and Klaus had met before. That was not the surprise. However, finding that not only were they "brothers" but that Stefan was with his sister is something I never saw coming. Not to mention I screamed my head off when the origin of that necklace was finally revealed and is now a VERY important object.

I have to give a nod of respect to the writers for that one. THAT. WAS. HUGE. Something that was introduced in the third episode of the series, three seasons later, will become a make it or break it moment for Klaus. Well done, writers. Well done.

The other huge surprise is yet something else we have never talked about before. Me and my other TVD pals, @IHeartTVD @Snowballx @Angelized-1st @onlymystory @entertainocd @TheRealTeal @itss_simmy @sunchick116 @dieslaughing .... we have talked about and came up with some crazy theories. But one thing we have NEVER thought of is an Original Witch.

I know I'm not going to be the only one of our group that automatically went to the Bennetts. They have always been important to the story, since the beginning. And I bet everything that this Original Witch is going to be a Bennett.

I also loved all the different dynamics we got in this episode. Those scenes between Caroline and her father were truly heartbreaking. And I CHEERED when her mother came to the rescue. Loved the Damon and Elena scene in the car with her going through his journals. I am STOKED the journals are back. I hope Elena spends a lot of time going through them. It's not as if she doesn't have enough time since apparently, she doesn't do anything except brood over Stefan and pester Damon. However, the Stefan and Klaus flashback scenes were my favorite part. I love Ripper Stefan, and all the awards to Paul for his acting in this episode. Excellent.

Overall, a fantastic episode. Once I watch the episode a few more times, I'm sure there will be a few crazy theories that come out of it, that I will be DYING to talk about.

Stay tuned.

Favorite TV Moments of the Week

These are in no particular order for me, but this scene from Supernatural is definitely my favorite. A great way to end a week of television.

1. Supernatural 7.01 "Meet the New Boss" - The Leviathan take over.

2. The Sing Off - all girl group Delilah SLAYS Bruno Mars' "Grenade". If they don't win, it will be a shame. I like this better than the original. Seriously one of the best performances I have ever seen on a music reality show.

3. Vampire Diaries 3.02 "The Hybrid" - We finally get to meet Caroline's dad, but that's not why it's one of my favorite moments. It actually wasn't surprising. It's the fact that Jack Coleman is on Vampire Diaries that has me all excited. He is as creepy as ever.

4. Supernatural 7.01 "Meet the New Boss" - The Road So Far and new title card. Yes, another moment. But this is ALWAYS something a SPN fan looks forward to. What song they will use and the first look at this season's new title card, which is by far my favorite so far.

The Road So Far - "Slow Ride":

Season 7 Title Card:

5. The X-Factor USA - I have been looking forward to this show all summer, and the auditions of Stacy Francis and Chris Rene.

Supernatural 7.02: Canadian promo

I don't know what the Canadian promos are always so much better than the CW's, but they are.

Minus of course, that now old title card.

Supernatural 7.02 "Hello, Cruel World" promo

Not only is this the return of Mark Pellegrino as Lucifer (HAPPY DANCE), but poor Sammy is confusing what is real and what is not. This is going to be like schizophrenia on LCD. It seems like it will be a crazy creepy episode, and I can't wait for next week.

It's so fantastic to have Supernatural back.

Vampire Diaries 3.02: "The Hybrid" review!

Jack freaking Coleman.

Otherwise known as HRG or Noah Bennett from the cult science fiction series "Heroes".

And let me tell you.... he still does creepy better than anyone.

I have to say, I have been a constant Klaus fan since Joseph Morgan showed up at the end of last season... but if Caroline's dad is going to stick around for a while, I'm pretty sure that Jack Coleman is going to channel creepy better than anyone on this series. Before I jump into my review of this episode I just want to give a STANDING OVATION to Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson for their superb casting of science fiction and fantasy stars for the last two seasons.

Okay... on to how stupid Elena was this episode... I don't know how many times Elena has to decide to do things on her own, and get in trouble before she learns NOT TO DO IT? She is the most idiotic and stubborn person I have ever watched on a television show and I love Alaric so much for pointing it out. She's right, Damon could have gotten bitten AGAIN because of her. It actually takes her LITERALLY looking in the face of death for her to run away from it and realize that she is only human.

I gave Damon Salvatore a standing ovation for throwing her into the river. By far, the best Delena scene ever to grace my television. In all honesty, I understand Elena's yearning to find and help Stefan, but she is also too stupid to truly understand how dangerous that will be. And, I have a feeling that it's going to get someone killed this season. It just better not be one of my favorite characters.

I was surprised that Mrs. Lockwood had no idea about the Lockwood family secret. Although I think we can assume at this point that Mayor Lockwood never killed anyone to turn, I can't imagine it being much of a secret to him since he was in possession of the moonstone. Why would he tell his wife about the vampires but not the family secret? I have a feeling that there will be more Lockwood family flashbacks this season. Maybe even more story for Katherine.

However, I still believe that there is something special about the Lockwood bloodline. Some of us have been talking about it since last season. That maybe, the Lockwoods are the most current descendants of Klaus's family. Either way, I think we are eventually going to find out that Klaus is going to need Tyler for his hybrid army.

Which leads me into why didn't his plan work? Why did all the wolves die? Most of us assumed that Elijah was the brains behind the hybrid plan. Did he lie, make it up, or also actually think the information was true? Either way, I'm pretty sure that Klaus is going to have some words with his darling brother.

For the next few months, I will be filling in as a fellow recaper and theorist on the Salvatore Council Podcast with my fellow TVD fans Simone and Jason as we recap, review and come up with our very own crazy theories for the upcoming season.

You can find all of those at www.salvatorecouncil.podbean.com

Trust me, if you listen you guys shall be entertained!

Supernatural 7.04: "Defending Your Life" description.

“Defending Your Life”

DEAN IS PUT ON TRIAL FOR HIS PAST SINS — Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) investigate a string of gruesome murders and discover the Egyptian god Osiris (guest star Faran Tahir) is behind the deaths. The vengeful god is putting people on trial for their past mistakes and killing them if found guilty. Osiris hones in on Dean’s guilt and decides he’s the next to stand trial. Sam steps in as Dean’s lawyer, but both brothers are unprepared when Osiris calls an unexpected witness – Jo (guest star Alona Tal). Robert Singer directed the episode written by Adam Glass (#704).

I think the words oh my god suit that description very well.

Hammer of the Gods is still one of my favorite episodes, and I have been waiting for them to include some more mythological gods into the mix again. With Dean put on trial because of the weight of his guilt, this is definitely going to be a very emotional episode. But honestly, the thing that I am REALLY excited to see is Sam being his lawyer.

Sam, who was going to into Law School before he joined Dean back on the road to find their dad way back in Season 1.

This is going to be an epic episode.

Fall TV: The Playboy Club series premiere

"The Playboy Club" is one of the series I have been looking forward to all summer. Not because of the story, simply because of Eddie Cibrian. I fell in love with him back during "Third Watch" and I am very excited to see him as the lead in his own series, especially on NBC.

Usually, I don't let myself get attached to new NBC series. However, "The Playboy Club" has had a great promotion push all summer, and this is a story that many demographics are going to watch. Interestingly enough, the NBC affiliate in Salt Lake City even banned this show from their channel. A nice way to get more people to watch it if you ask me. However, if it doesn't pick up in ratings, we may not have a chance to get attached. It debuted only with a 1.6. However, it was also against the season premieres of "Hawaii Five-0" and "Castle" both popular series on their networks. I personally think it's worthy of a save.

I enjoyed the Pilot. It was intriguing and didn't take it's time to step into the story. New bunny Maureen accidentally murders a mob boss and keyholder to the club, Nick Dalton feels obliged to help her out. Not only is there a murder mystery for the other characters to solve, but we also get the history of the real Playboy Club. It takes place in a world where all the characters have their own agendas. Throw in a murder and now two of those people have to count on each other... it's bound to cause some great drama. The writing was decent and the acting even better. These are definitely some faces that can make a great ensemble cast.

I just hope NBC realizes the potential they have in this series and don't axe it too soon. But then again... this is NBC we are talking about here. When have they ever made a good decision about a new series?

Emmys 2011: A night full of upsets!

Although it was no surprise that Modern Family took away most of the awards in the comedy category, it was a night full of surprise and upsets in drama and TV movie or miniseries categories.

Jane Lynch may not have been as funny as I hoped, but the opening number was hilarious as she walked through the sets of some of the most popular series on TV. I was a particular fan of how annoyed Sheldon Cooper was to have his thai food interrupted by a musical number in their living room.

The first upset of the night occurred during Lead Actor for a Comedy Series. Everyone thought for sure the award would finally go to Steve Carrell for "The Office". However, fans are once again left disappointed because Jim Parsons took home the award for the second year in a row or his performance as Sheldon Cooper in "The Big Bang Theory". It would be only the first time, but not the last, that I would scream in delight in front of my television.

One of the funniest moments of the night had nothing to do with Jane Lynch at all. As they were announcing the nominees for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, starting with Amy Poehler, each one made their way to the stage like they were announcing the finalist for Miss America. It was priceless, especially when neither Poehler or Tina Fey took how the award like everyone thought. Melissa McCarthy nabbed it for "Mike & Molly".

Martin Scorsese won his very first Emmy last night for Directing for a Drama Series on "Boardwalk Empire", which would be the only big award the HBO series would win. However, it is not the only HBO series that would get snubbed last night. "Game of Thrones" nominated for almost everything in the Drama categories would take home only one major award, but it was definitely the one they deserved the most.

My Twitter feed and Tumblr dashboard exploded with applause and delight when Peter Dinklage was announced the winner for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series as Tyrion Lannister in "Game of Thrones". I personally screamed and danced around my living room, melting back into my chair when he thanked the dog sitter watching over his beloved pet back in New York. It is no secret that this man was born to play this exquisite character created by fantasy author George R. R. Martin. And he did so perfectly, bringing that character to life on screen better than any adaptation I have ever seen.

Another great and satisfying surprise was finally seeing Margo Martindale winning an Emmy for her performance as the villain in last season of "Justified", one of my favorite new shows. She was in fact, the last person I thought would win this category, but I am so beyond happy that she did. Her performance was excellent and chilling. And her acceptance speech is one of the best of the night.

However, it was towards the end of the night my heart almost completely gave out. I have never been a fan of the politics that sometimes determine who is going to win the awards instead of who actually deserves the recognition for that previous year. Which is why most often than not that I am disappointed or even angry with the Emmys, Globes and Oscars. But this year would go down as the happiest I have ever been with the results of the Emmy Awards. I hope the next Golden Globes and Oscars follow example.

Since it started, I have always thought that NBC's "Friday Night Lights" is one of the best series on television. It is the best portrayal of high school I have ever seen on a show with the perfect mix of drama and humor. Not to mention the amazing cast led by Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler. It made my life to see this series finally start getting recognized by the Emmy's last year. However, it didn't win. So, when it was nominated once again for it's final season, including a nod for Best Drama, I was delighted. Still, I didn't expect it to win. Yet, even up against "Game of Thrones" and "Mad Men" Jason Katims nabbed the Emmy away for Writing for a Drama Series for "Friday Night Lights".

And just like I have cried in every single episode of this series, I was in tears instantly following the unexpected scream that filled my house. And hearing "Clear eyes full hearts can't lose!" on an Emmy podium didn't help the tears all that much. That wouldn't however be the end of them. When Connie Britton didn't win for Lead Actress, I was going to resign and simply be happy with the single Emmy. But nothing prepared me for Kyle Chandler to win Lead Actor for his performance as Coach Eric Taylor, stealing it away from Steve Buscemi ("Boardwalk Empire"), Jon Hamm ("Mad Men"), Michael C. Hall ("Dexter"), Timothy Olyphant ("Justified") and Hugh Laurie ("House MD"). It was a fan's dream come true.

That was the end of the surprises last night, as expected "Mad Men" and "Modern Family" took the awards for Best Drama and Best Comedy. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't remember ever being this happy with an awards show in my life.

Mexico MCRmy "Planetary GO!" flash mob!

If you are not in the know of what exactly the MCRmy is, it's what the fanbase of rock band My Chemical Romance calls themselves. Or rather... ourselves. I have been a fan since their first album, and yes, I will probably talk about them a lot on this blog.

Here's a great video of MCRmy members in Mexico and their planned flash mob to "Planetary GO!" from My Chemical Romance's album Danger Days.

Secret Circle 1.02: "Bound" promo

Secret Circle 1.01: "Pilot"

As far as series premieres go, I thought it was pretty decent. It's one of the most talked about premieres over the summer that gave just enough to the audience to keep them watching. Especially if you are regular to the series created by Kevin Williamson, who is also an executive producer on "The Vampire Diaries".

A book series from popular young adult author L.J. Smith, "The Secret Circle" follows the story of teenage Cassie, who moves in with her grandmother after her mother is murdered.

When Cassie moves back to her mother's hometown, she finds herself surrounded by her mother's old friends and their children, only to find out these six families are all witches. With her bloodlines return, the powers of the second generation have grown exponentially and start conflicts among the circle of these six powerful teens. However, as usual in the fantasy genre, all is not as it seems. Not only do these powers seem to have some sort of addiction that go along with them, but the parents are not as unaware at the teens believe. It seems that two of the surviving adult generation magic circle murdered Cassie's mother to bring her back to this town for a purpose. Obviously, what exactly that purpose is will be the story line of this season.

Although it is not the best series premiere I have ever watched, it definitely served up a couple very interesting details that will keep me watching. The most mysterious of those is the tune that Cassie found herself always humming, that is also the song that plays with the title card. I feel like there that little tune is going to end up being very important later and more than just a song. I am already wondering what the rules of this world are. Obviously, there are going to be limitations to the magic they are able to perform and how exactly that summon those powers. I already find myself thinking about how it works.

But I do think the best thing so far about this series is something that me and many others get a little annoyed with about "The Vampire Diaries". Finally, we have a show where the supernatural characters, act like supernatural characters. Obviously, they have secrets to keep. But they know they are not exactly human, and nor do they act like it. But sadly, the only acting performance that I didn't feel was up to par was Brittany Robertson, who plays the lead Cassie Blake. In a show where we definitely need to be rooting for this main character, I am not on her side yet. In fact, I am on Diana's team, portrayed by Shelley Hennig. I want Cassie to just get over it and the join the Circle already. Even though we are only one episode into the story, I feel like Diana should be the hero of this story, especially with her creepy villain father to contend with.

I also like Adam, portrayed by Thomas Dekker, and Diana's boyfriend. Living and taking care of a drunk father, the audience feels sympathy for him before his second scene of the episode is even over, and it's obvious that there is some type of really special and magical connection between his and Cassie's families.

Overall, a decent premiere episode.

Stay tuned as week continue to discuss CW's fantasy thursday nights in more depth on our weekly podcast.

Vampire Diaries 3.01 "The Hybrid" Promo

Supernatural 7.01 "Meet the New Boss" Preview Clip

Vampire Diaries 3.01: "The Birthday"

If you know me from Twitter, Tumblr, or my guest appearances on the Salvatore Council Podcast and IHVD Radio, then you know that I was not particularly happy with the second season. I think they focused far too much on the love triangle and enough on what was actually happening in the storyline. It was a let down after the especially excellent second half of season 1.

Although this third season premiere episode was not as intense or surprising as last season's "The Return", it is definitely starting off with the things that I missed during season 2.

We get our first look at devastating team that Stefan and Klaus make on their quest to make a new army or hybrids. First, can we just all give Joseph Morgan a standing ovation for a continued consistent and fabulous performance of who has become one of my all time favorite baddies, Klaus? Just looking at him as Klaus creeps me out... even more so when he used that American accent at the beginning. I had legit chills going down my arms. Ripper Stefan is really terrifying. I am really excited to see all the performances ahead for Paul Wesley.

The few things that really made me happy about this episode were the small things. I loved the fact that we were reminded that Klaus is not an idiot. He is a smart and sophisticated villain who has lived for a LONG TIME. He is not going to be easy to fool. When he confronted Stefan at the end of the episode, it gave us a nice reveal that Stefan may not be true Ripper Stefan after all. He gave himself over to Klaus to save his brother. Yet, as Damon reveals, the remorse is still piled on his shoulders. Burying himself in blood is more about trying to make that remorse easier, rather than because he wants it.

For me, this show was never about the love triangle. It's always the story of two brothers that are vampires. In season 2, that storyline was lost in the suffocating Damon and Elena story lines. Stefan confronts Damon in the episode and warns him to stop looking for him. Not so much on Klaus' order, but I still think after all this time, there will always be a part of Stefan whether on human blood or not, that is trying to save his brother. My favorite episode of the series so far is "Blood Brothers" from season 1. This scene reminded me of the flashback when Stefan forces Damon to complete the transformation into a vampire. For once, Damon is not the one in control and has no choice but to submit to his baby brother.

One of the things the fandom debated about all summer was whether Damon would even want to find Stefan. I was adamant on the fact that he would. And clearly, when Elena found his secret stash of clues, that Damon is almost desperate to find him. As usual, Damon keeps every emotion hidden and buried, showing them only when he is pushed into a corner. But after his run in with Stefan, it's clear that it may not be as easy as he thought. Part of him was hoping, even after seeing the signs in city after city, that Stefan wasn't as far gone as he thought. He finally took out all that disappointment and anger out on Elena when she confronted him. It was another great scene and performance by Ian Somerhalder.

Overall, a decent premiere episode that I think was better than most of the episodes in season 2. I can't wait to see where this hybrid story ends up.